Engaging communities against HIV/AIDS

November 1, 2006 :: Agha Ibiam,Lagos ThisDay,Lagos

The recent visit by the United State Embassy in Nigeria and the Families Alive, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), based in Lagos to Olurunda Development Centre and Oko Afo/Magbon communities, all in Badagry Local Government Area (LGA), was a follow up to an earlier understanding both organisations had with the people of the areas. Basically, the aim of both visits was to create awareness on HIV/AIDS. The campaign programme was at the instance of the President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which was designed by President George Bush of United States (US) in 2003 to support 15 African countries fight HIV/AIDS, of which Nigeria is inclusive. As it is now, the fight against HIV/AIDS is no longer a burden that should be borne by governments and non-governmental organisations (NGO) alone. Communities, especially in the rural areas are now inquisitive to know more about the disease, which will enable them devise, a better approach and change of lifestyle. Since the rural areas were the worst hit with this deadly disease as a result of ignorance, some NGOs considered it expedient to channel its human capital and material resources to those areas, all in the need to educate, counsel and perhaps treat those that might have been affected by the pandemic disease. During the first visit to Olurunda Development Center, the US Mission's Information Officer, Dr. Rudolp Stewart, who was impressed by the lake and empty fishponds beside the secretariat. He thought how the place could be revitalised to help boost economic buoyancy of the people. A convincing explanation by the Head of Department, Agriculture in the council, Mrs. Mariam Attah, however, prompted Stewart to source for funds that would help the council go into full-scale fish farming. Jocularly, Stewart promised the council officials that the next time he visits the place; he would like to start a fish farming with them. "I am impressed by the HOD's persistent determination at ensuring that I keep to my promise. Though we are talking about HIV/AIDS, but it behooves on me to make a start. I told my boss about the place and he promised that if we give a grant, it would be a commensurate help for the community. That is why today, we have a grant written in the name of the council to help impact on the community. "So, we have a grant of N570,000, which will help clear the ponds and stock it with fish. The product could be supplied to the community and the proceeds used for other ventures. The grant is towards poverty eradication in Olurunda which will also have a positive effect on those that are affected with HIV/AIDS", Stewart said. His counterpart, Mr. Dalhatu Hamza, a programme specialist accompanied him on the visit. Another assignment that was executed that same day was a visit to Oko Afo/Magbo community, for an event that marked the end of a peer education training to support the people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). It was also designed to equip the leaders and give them the knowledge to dispel the myths surrounding the disease. The event was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Oke Morosun in Magbon community. The community was divided into five support groups, which cut across the area. The groups include landlords, Muslim leaders and Christian leaders representatives as well as traditional healers and youth leaders representatives. During the certificate award ceremony, the groups one after the other took time to share their experiences, contributions to PLWHA and challenges facing them. Two people that were HIV/AIDS positive, Mrs. Oluwakemi and Mr. Samson Adegbite explained to the visitors how they contacted the disease. The former said she got it through the husband, who eventually sent her packing from the matrimonial home on noticing that she was positive. Adegbite, said using "Mallam" scissors to trim his fingernails infected him. Both Oluwakemi and Adegbite, were giving some money by the Families Alive to support their visit to hospitals for treatment. At Families Alive International, the Project Coordinator, Mr. Funsho Olamigoke said the organisation engage in the activities in an attempt to utilise resources already available to them in order to promote HIV/AIDS awareness on positive living. Positive living according to him, means that individuals living with the virus learn to embrace and accept their situations through a change of mindset. By accepting their status, he said, they can proceed to live full and normal lives by following the correct regime ranging from sharing information about their status through group counseling, consultation with healthcare professionals on the most effective medications for them, to maintaining a positive attitude which takes away guilt and blame, eating a balanced diet to improve their immunity, and avoiding risky behavior which could lead to further infection. People living with HIV/AIDS however contend with several factors that constitute obstacles to positive living including of social, cultural and economy. Olamigoke said, "As a consequence of this, a great number of these folks living with the virus at varying stages of the infection remain in their cocoons unable to speak out and get support, usually until it is too late and sometimes never.